BRINGING HOME A RESCUE DOG – THE FIRST WEEKS

  Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing, but bringing home a rescue dog requires a little understanding, a lot of patience, plenty of time, and buckets of love.  Here are a few suggestions to make the process easier on you both. SUPPLIES NEEDED Before you pick up your new dog, you’ll need to make sure you have a few things.  Don’t go overboard at this point. You can pick up additional items as needed or wanted in the coming weeks.  Necessities are: Collar – Ask the shelter staff to measure your adopted pet’s neck. If this measurement is at the end of the range for a collar, go up one size. (For example, if the collar is 18” to 22”, and the neck measurement is 21.5”, choose the next size up.) Collars should be snug, but you should be able to put two fingers comfortably between the collar and the neck. Leash – Standard webbed or leather leash. Do NOT buy a retractable leash – these prevent you from having control of your dog, and can be dangerous to children…

  • Post author:
Continue ReadingBRINGING HOME A RESCUE DOG – THE FIRST WEEKS

8 HUNGARIAN DOG BREEDS – THEIR STORIES

  Different environments and needs determine which type of dog a region develops. In Hungary, there are three different types of dog breeds – livestock protectors, herding dogs, and hunting hounds. HUNGARIAN DOG BREEDS - HERDING DOGS PULI The Puli is a small, herding dog with a long, corded coat. They have been described as a “mop on springs” due to their high energy level.  This breed will need a lot of exercise, and will do best in a very active home. Weighing no more than 35 pounds, the Puli looks to be much larger due to its weatherproof double coat. Lack of size doesn’t make it any less effective as a sheep herder – they’ve been known to jump on a sheep’s back to turn the flock. STATUS Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936, the most popular dog breeds rank Pulis at 160 out of 197 registered breeds. Due to their high grooming needs, and near constant need for activity, they are a difficult breed for new dog owners. HISTORY Although the Puli can trace his lineage…

  • Post author:
Continue Reading8 HUNGARIAN DOG BREEDS – THEIR STORIES

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG’S TEETH. WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T, AND HOW TO GET EVEN THE MOST DIFFICULT DOG TO COOPERATE.

Just like with humans, dogs collect bacteria from food, stray sticks picked up outside, and anything else that goes into their mouths. Until relatively recently, it was highly unusual for owners to brush their pet’s teeth, so all of that matter was left inside the mouth to rot.  Eventually infection sets in, and results in pain.  You should create a systematic plan for your dog to prevent things from ever getting to the infection stage. HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG'S TEETH As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. REGULAR TOOTH BRUSHING If your dog will tolerate it (and most will, given the proper introduction), daily, or, at minimum, three times a week, tooth brushing is the best way to prevent dental issues.  Train your pet to allow this, the earlier in life, the better, but even older dogs can be acclimatized to dental brushing. TRAINING YOUR DOG TO ALLOW BRUSHING To start, use a strong smelling, moist food that your dog likes. Beef bouillon, moist dog food, chicken broth are good examples. Get some on your finger and massage…

  • Post author:
Continue ReadingHOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG’S TEETH. WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T, AND HOW TO GET EVEN THE MOST DIFFICULT DOG TO COOPERATE.

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS AVAILABLE ON ETSY. FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR CANINE LOVING FRIENDS FOR $25.00 OR LESS

  There are loads of unique gifts for dog lovers available on Etsy for the person you want to remember. Whether it's a teacher, hairdresser, distant relation, neighbor, or the mailman, we want to find the perfect little remembrance that makes a present more than just an obligation.  The gifts below would be perfect as stocking stuffers for close friends and family, or "thank you" gifts for the people who make your life a little easier each day. I've limited the sellers to those who have at least a 4.5 star rating.  All items are under a $25.00 price point, but this does not include the shipping charges. All products are reachable by clicking on the photograph. For inexpensive gifts for cat lovers - click here. As an affiliate for Etsy, I earn from qualifying purchases. UNIQUE GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS AVAILABLE ON ETSY- JEWELRY I'm a semi-fanatic for cute earrings - the more out of the ordinary, the better.  I'm known for my massive collection, and often get comments from complete strangers about my jewelry.  If you're looking for a…

  • Post author:
Continue ReadingUNIQUE GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS AVAILABLE ON ETSY. FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR CANINE LOVING FRIENDS FOR $25.00 OR LESS

DOG BREEDS FROM CANADA. LEARN WHICH BREEDS CAME FROM THIS NORTHERN COUNTRY, WHAT THEY ARE LIKE, AND WHICH WOULD MAKE A PERFECT PET FOR YOU?

As is to be expected in a cold climate, Canada is not the home of small or fragile dogs.  Dog breeds from Canada tend to be thick coated, hardy, and large, or smooth coated working dogs – no tiny lapdogs here! Many of Canada’s dog breeds have with thick, water-repellent undercoats able to withstand a harsh, long winter.  Several originated in the far north as working dogs and protectors, others were bred for coastal conditions.  Here are a few you’re familiar with, and a couple you probably have never heard of: CANADIAN ESKIMO DOG STATUS – THREATENED. Fewer than 300 dogs still exist. HISTORY First bred by the Inuit of the Arctic regions, the date of origin of the Canadian Eskimo Dog cannot be determined.  In the years between 1950 and 1970, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police slaughtered thousands of Inuit sled dogs.  Exact figures are unknown, but the loss of canine life was overwhelming. Although the Inuit claim that this was done for intimidation, the RCMP still maintains that it was to weed out diseased animals. Whatever the purpose, the…

  • Post author:
Continue ReadingDOG BREEDS FROM CANADA. LEARN WHICH BREEDS CAME FROM THIS NORTHERN COUNTRY, WHAT THEY ARE LIKE, AND WHICH WOULD MAKE A PERFECT PET FOR YOU?

DOGS FOR SENIORS. OVERCOME OBJECTIONS AND FIND THE BEST DOG TO ADOPT NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE.

Dogs for seniors - the love and companionship of a pet is a wonderful thing at any age. Owning a dog confers all sorts of health and emotional benefits.  From increasing the owner’s physical fitness to providing unconditional love, dogs give much more than they take.  Yet, it is often difficult for senior citizens to adopt a pet. Here are some of the reasons why, and some of the things you can do to mitigate the mindset.  Seniors should be able to enjoy having pets no matter how old they are. AGEISM Yes, unfortunately, ageism is alive and well at some shelters.  These organizations take one look at your gray  hair and say a resounding “no”.  They don’t advertise this, or ever tell you the reason for a denial.  To avoid these places, read some online reviews. But just because a shelter has some bad reviews doesn’t mean that it’s a bad shelter. Some people who just shouldn’t have a dog due to living arrangements, or past history with pets, will become enraged when their applications are denied.  These are often…

  • Post author:
Continue ReadingDOGS FOR SENIORS. OVERCOME OBJECTIONS AND FIND THE BEST DOG TO ADOPT NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE.